three things every website should have a small business guide

Three Things Every Website Should Have

Thinking about building your first website? It can feel overwhelming, but if you focus on these three key elements, you’ll be on the right track. A well-structured website can help attract customers, build trust, and even rank higher on search engines.

In this post, I’ll cover:
✅ Choosing a domain name
✅ Writing content that connects with customers
✅ Simplifying your site’s navigation

By the end, you’ll have the essentials to create a website that works for your business.

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1. Choosing a Domain Name

Your domain name is your online identity—it’s what people type to find you, and it often makes the first impression. A great domain name is:

✔️ Short and easy to spell – Avoid long, complicated names that are hard to remember.
✔️ Relevant to your business – If you’re a local bakery, SarahsBakery.com is better than SBakery123.com.
✔️ Local (if needed) – If you serve only a specific area, consider adding your city (PlattsburghBakery.com).

🔴 Avoid:
🚫 Overstuffing with keywords (BestCheapPlattsburghBakery.com—looks spammy!)
🚫 Using generic, forgettable names that don’t build trust

A solid domain name boosts your brand recognition and credibility. You can check if your ideal domain is available at Wix.com, Most cost around $25/year.

 
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2. Writing Content That Connects with Customers (and Google!)

Your website isn’t just about what you do—it’s about how you help your customers. Many businesses make the mistake of talking only about themselves instead of addressing their audience’s needs.

Tips for Writing Website Content:

📝 Focus on the customer – Instead of “We’ve been in business for 10 years,” say, “For over 10 years, we’ve helped families find the perfect home.”
📝 Keep it simple – Aim for a 7th-8th grade reading level to make your content accessible.
📝 Tell a story – A great framework to follow is Donald Miller’s Building a StoryBrand. It teaches how to make your customer the hero of the story (not your business!).

Writing for SEO

Even the best-written content won’t work if people can’t find it. That’s where search engine optimization (SEO) comes in.

📌 Optimize these key areas:
✔️ Meta Titles & Descriptions – These help search engines understand your page.
✔️ Headings (H1, H2, etc.) – Organize content so it’s easy to read.
✔️ Alt Text for Images – Helps search engines (and visually impaired users) understand images.
✔️ Internal Links – Link important pages together to guide visitors and boost SEO.

💡 Bonus Tip: Add Engaging Photos
People process visuals faster than text, so include high-quality images that showcase your work, team, or products. If you’re a local business, consider adding real photos over stock images to build trust!

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3. Simplify Your Site’s Navigation

A well-structured website helps visitors find what they need—fast. If your navigation is cluttered, people may leave before they even explore your site.

Best Practices for Website Navigation:

✅ Limit menu items to seven or fewer – Too many choices can overwhelm visitors.
✅ Use clear, simple labels – “About Us” is better than “Company Background & History.”
✅ Include a call-to-action button – A standout button for “Book a Call” or “Get a Quote” makes it easy for visitors to take action.

💡 SEO Tip: Your homepage has the most authority with search engines. Make sure it links to your most important pages so they get more visibility!

Final Thoughts: Is Your Website Set Up for Success?

These three elements—a strong domain, customer-focused content, and simple navigation—are the foundation of a great website.

But remember, your website isn’t just about looking good—it should serve your ideal customer and make it easy for them to connect with you.

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